DANCE: Houghs' $400 ticket gets a show, a selfie and stuff

Riverside's revitalized Fox Performing Arts Center has snared a series of A-list performers since signing on with promoting powerhouse Live Nation.

And if you want to see the Hough siblings read that “the Donny and Marie of dance” expect to pay $35 all the way to $400.

You read that right. The top ticket is $399 to be precise, not including fees. But it comes with special access, including a “selfie” for those unfamiliar with the e-vernacular, that’s a self-shot cell-phone photo.

It's all part of an entertainment industry trend. The most passionate fans are willing to pay a premium to get real face time with their favorite performers. And the “VIP Experience” fulfills that desire.

The VIP ticket isn't all that new in major markets. The New York Times described a recent $1,875 Bon Jovi package that included a leather bag, a catered meal and a take-home folding chair bearing the band's logo. Artists such as The Eagles, the Rolling Stones and U2 have offered high-end packages for years. And events such as the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival and Bonnaroo target big spenders by offering special posh festival experiences.

But the trend is becoming the norm in all markets including Riverside.

Tickets are on sale today for the Houghs’ Saturday, July 19 show, which promises elaborate sets and costumes, support dancers and music ranging from ballroom and tap to salsa and hip-hop.

The show was created by the high-stepping pair in partnership with Emmy winners Tabitha and Napoleon D’umo, choreographers on the Fox reality series “So You Think You Can Dance.” Between the two, Julianne and Derek have won seven seasons of the top-rated ABC show “Dancing with the Stars.”

And if you have money to spend, you can get up close and personal with the Houghs. The Ultimate VIP package includes a reserved ticket in the first 10 rows, a private Q&A session, an individual photo opportunity, a backstage tour, an autographed program, a laminated VIP badge, crowd-free merchandise shopping and access to an on-site VIP host.

A cheaper VIP package ($249) includes a seat in rows 11-20 and everything in the Ultimate package except for the backstage tour, individual photo (regular VIPs get a group photo) and an autographed program. There is a four-ticket limit for the VIP packages.

Think that’s pricey? Robin Thicke’s upcoming show at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino boasts VIP tickets for $375 and that’s not including a ticket, which range from $49 to $109.

Dave Brooks, managing editor of Venues Today magazine, isn't surprised by the VIP ticket prices for showstoppers such as Thicke and the Houghs.

“It's not unusual to see tickets priced that high, especially at a theater,” he said. “Someone like Robin Thicke could probably sell 10,000-20,000 tickets and probably do a Staples Center show. He just played RodeoHouston in front of over 61,000 people.”

The Houghs are not the only upcoming act at the Fox to charge a premium price. Orchestra tickets for comedian Jerry Seinfeld’s May 15 show are $170.50 with fees but they're selfie-free.

An opportunity to rub elbows with Boz Scaggs will set you back $250 on top of the $55-$95.50 tickets for the show. If you just want to enjoy the show without all the VIP perks, regular tickets range from $35 to $65.

Find those tickets out of your price range?

Not so Karina Chamorro, who posted this note on Twitter: “Might sell everything in the house to get tickets to see @juliannehough and @derekhough in Riverside.”

Dancer and performance artist Kenichi Ebina, who won season eight of “America's Got Talent,” said fans of highly rated competition shows help amp up a performer's value and what people will pay to see them in person.

And industry analyst Brooks nailed the show-business bottom line people will pay what they can afford.

“Of course,” he said, “fans are willing to pay this much because if they weren't, (the artist) wouldn't charge that much.”

OTHER FOX SHOWS WITH HIGH-END TICKETS:

Sheryl Crow

When the Fox reopened in January 2010 after a $32 million renovation job, the pop/rock star christened the venue over two nights, with tickets selling for $65 to $275.

Natalie Cole

Sheryl Crow wasn't the only artist fetching top dollar in the Fox's opening months. In February, 2010, a Natalie Cole concert saw tickets start at $50 and go up to $129.

Steve Martin, Edie Brickell and the Steep Canyon Rangers

When the comedian and actor turned serious banjo player taped PBS' “Great Performances” at the venue in October 2013, tickets ranged from $49 to $99, before fees. The dress rehearsal, which was for a smaller crowd, had tickets priced at $69 and $89, before fees

Jerry Seinfeld

The comedian's two shows scheduled for Thursday, May 15, go on sale Friday at 10 a.m. and tickets run $85-$150, before fees.

Boz Scaggs

Musical chameleon Boz Scaggs will return to the Fox July 17. The tickets are $55-$99.50, before fees. There is also meet and greet experience available for $250 in addition to the a ticket.